Code of practice for planning matters: Broadland District Council

Publicity arrangements for planning applications and other proposals

Broadland District Council is committed to enabling and encouraging involvement in its decision making processes.  It is particularly keen to involve you in the planning process by seeking your views on planning and other development applications.

There are statutory requirements around the publicity that has to be afforded to planning applications.  The form publicity can take varies according to the type of application and the location; in certain circumstances it is set out by Government, but discretionary in other cases.

The Council publicises planning applications and other submissions widely in excess of the statutory requirements (see table at the end of this report for details).

How does the Council advertise?

• All applications are posted on the Council’s website.
• Applications requiring advertisement will appear in a local newspaper.
• Where appropriate site notices are either displayed on the site which is the subject of the application or at the most convenient location near to the site which is accessible to the public.
• Individual neighbour notification in the form of a letter is usually addressed to the owner/occupier immediately adjacent to the application site.

How long do I have to respond?

In publicising planning applications and other proposals, a period of at least 21 days is given within which interested parties may respond.

What if the application is amended?

If the application is amended during the course of processing, further publicity may be given to the amendments.  This is usually done by neighbour notification if the case officer considers there has been a change which would significantly alter the public's perception of the proposal or written interest has already been expressed.  The period of response to the notification may vary in such circumstances, although a minimum period of 7 days is generally given.  The Council will not determine the application until the stated publicity period has expired.

Who can respond to an application?

Anyone or any organisation may make representations regarding a planning application, whether or not they have been personally notified.

How should I respond?

• You can post your comments on the Council’s website by inserting the relevant application number here; viewing the details of the application and then selecting the “add comments” button at the bottom of the page
• you can respond in the form of an email to planning.bdc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
• by letter addressed to: Head of Planning, South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Swan Lane, Long Stratton, Norfolk, NR

Some points to remember when writing your letter:

• Clearly identify the application to which you are responding by reference to the location and preferably application number (eg 20211234.
• Set out your comments in the form of an objection, offering support or raising no objection to the proposal.
• Ensure your letter or email arrives at Thorpe Lodge on or before the expiry date of the publicity period.  If for some reason this is not possible, contact the case officer, who may agree to extend the publicity period.

What happens next?

All representations are taken into account, subject to them being received prior to the determination of the application.  The Council’s decision wil be posted on the website once the application has been determined.  Correspondence is generally not entered into as a consequence of making representations on applications, as resources do not permit this.  If specific information on a particular matter is required, this should be sought either in writing, by email or telephone.  All letters of representation are posted on the website which is available for public inspection; names, signatures and email addresses will be redacted..  Any matters of a confidential nature should be drawn to the Head of Planning’s attention in writing.  Comments made confidentially will not, however, be able to be taken into account in the determination of the planning application.

Who determines applications?

Approximately 5-10% of applications are determined by the Planning Committee.  Any representations made on applications to be determined by the committee are summarised in the agenda report and a copy of the letter  available for Councillors’ inspection prior to the meeting.

Any representations received after the committee report has been prepared and before 12 noon on the day before the meeting of the committee will be reported either on a supplementary schedule or verbally by the officer presenting the application to the committee.

The committee generally meets on a Wednesday morning, every four weeks.

If you comment on an application which is to be determined by the committee

You will be notified of the committee date and provided with an opportunity to address the committee.

You will, however, need to register your intention to speak at that time.

Where and when can I see the applications?

All applications are availble on the website or may be seen at Thorpe Lodge.

Some parish councils may also make their copies of applications available for you to view and you should make enquiries direct to the relevant parish council as to whether  this facility is available.

If you wish to discuss the application or have any queries please contact the case officer.